Why half of England is owned by less than 1% of the population — ▲
New data reveals a stark reality of land ownership in England, where less than 1% of the population holds dominion over half the country. Approximately 25,000 landowners, primarily aristocratic families and corporations, control this vast expanse. If divided equally among the population, each person would own just over half an acre—a parcel roughly the size of half of Parliament Square in central London. These findings, termed “astonishingly unequal,” shed light on the long-standing secrecy surrounding land distribution.
Click through the gallery to uncover the reasons behind land ownership inequality in England.

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Shrubsole's estimate is grounded in data from a spreadsheet released by the Land Registry, detailing land owned by all UK-registered companies. Using this information, he has identified and listed the top 100 landowning companies, offering a clearer view of corporate dominance in England's land ownership landscape.

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Topping the list of corporate landowners in England is United Utilities, a major water company. The company explained that a substantial portion of its land holdings comprises areas surrounding its reservoirs, reflecting the essential role these lands play in water management and supply.

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The Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire, owned by the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, is another significant entry on the list of prominent landholdings. These estates exemplify the legacy of aristocratic land ownership in England, with its historical and cultural significance spanning generations.

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The list of major landowners also features several large grouse moor estates, known for their connection to traditional aristocratic ownership. Additionally, Beeswax Dyson Farming, a large-scale farming enterprise owned by pro-Brexit businessman James Dyson, stands out as a significant corporate landholder.

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Carys Roberts, chief economist at the Institute for Public Policy Research, reflected on Shrubsole’s findings with a mix of astonishment and inevitability. She described his research results as “shocking but not surprising,” underlining the enduring and systemic nature of this inequality.

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Roberts argued that the concentration of land in the hands of a few is a significant driver of wealth inequality in the country. She explained that those without access to land are effectively barred from opportunities to generate additional income, perpetuating a cycle of economic disparity.

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Roberts highlighted a key consequence of selling public land: the loss of democratic control over these spaces. She pointed out that once sold, such land could no longer be utilized for critical public needs, such as building affordable housing or implementing environmental improvements.

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Although this figure might initially seem out of place within the context of land inequalities, it becomes more understandable when considering the staggering property prices in cities like London; where a one-bedroom flat can cost £10 million (US$13 million), being a millionaire offers little in terms of personal space.

Sources: (The Guardian) (Stephen Liddell) (New Economy Brief)

Why half of England is owned by less than 1% of the population

How the power of the few shapes the landscape of England

25/03/25 por StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE Politics

New data reveals a stark reality of land ownership in England, where less than 1% of the population holds dominion over half the country. Approximately 25,000 landowners, primarily aristocratic families and corporations, control this vast expanse. If divided equally among the population, each person would own just over half an acre—a parcel roughly the size of half of Parliament Square in central London. These findings, termed “astonishingly unequal,” shed light on the long-standing secrecy surrounding land distribution.

Click through the gallery to uncover the reasons behind land ownership inequality in England.